How to treat constipation and stomach pain associated with Crohn's disease?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have severe Crohn's disease. I am supposed to be on a course of Stelara injection, as the injection of Humira did not help my symptoms at all. I have been unable to make it to the infusion laboratory as my husband works so often, and I recently moved to my current state this year. I am currently on a 12-day course of Prednisone (which I was on before trying a biologic that failed to help). I have been diagnosed for nine years and stayed on Mesalamine drugs and 6-MP for eight years. At 12, I was hospitalized with a hemoglobin of 5.6 g/dL after years of symptoms. Three months ago, I told my current gastroenterologist that I was not okay as I had had episodes of not being able to eat for weeks, constipation, and excruciating pain. Ten months back I got my CBC done and also had a CT scan done six months ago. I was told I was only constipated and to take Miralax powder. This pattern has happened since my first test at seven years old. Since then, I had had three months, until last week when I called a doctor to get Prednisone. My constipation is worse. I have no appetite and feel extremely nauseous whenever I eat and sometimes drink. I need to use the restroom about one to three times an hour to pass mucus and pus, which is different shades of red and can be alarming amounts. I do not get fevers but have had flu-like chills and hot flashes with low-grade temperatures. I also discovered a cyst in my throat this morning and have had a few ulcers. I fainted last week and was almost headed to the ER, but I honestly do not want to go just to be handed a laxative and sent home. I need help, and I do not know where to find it.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I want to suggest you the following remedies.

1. As the first thing in the morning, drinking a glass of lukewarm water is good. Add some baking soda to this if you feel bloated, as it aids in cleansing the bowels. Ginger tea is another great remedy to induce bowel movements in the morning.

2. A glass of warm milk with a little honey or sugar is a good remedy for constipation.

3. Warm water or milk with psyllium husk at bedtime helps bowel movements in the morning. Also, applying a few drops of lukewarm castor oil over the navel when going to sleep can help easily pass stools in the morning.

4. Guava, pears, oranges, grapes, papaya, apples, and other fruits add roughage to the diet and help in the easy passage of stools.

5. Soak some raisins in hot water, cool them, and crush and strain them. This is very effective for treating constipation in children. Carrot juice or papaya juice is also very useful in treating constipation.

6. Drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water to avoid constipation. Artificial juices and canned drinks do not count in this, as they only make it worse.

7. High-fat, processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine are major causes of constipation. So one should avoid them to a large extent.

8. Including small amounts of olive oil, castor oil, and ghee (clarified butter) in the diet help in lubrication and easy passage of the stools.

9. Triphala, a popular ayurvedic preparation, can be mixed with warm water and consumed to prevent constipation. Given its bitter taste, you can add a small amount of honey. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic properties. This helps in overall colon cleansing and is not just a short-term remedy.

10. Yogasanas like pavana muktasana, yoga mudra, dhanur asana, and vajrasana have major benefits on the digestive system, including releasing accumulated gas and passage of stools.

Hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.